Code and container of system for preparing a beverage or foodstuff

ABSTRACT

A container for a foodstuff or beverage preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff preparation material and comprising on a surface thereof a code encoding preparation information, the code comprising a reference portion and a data portion: the reference portion comprising a linear arrangement of at least two reference units defining a reference line r, the data portion having an encoding area comprising at least one data unit, wherein said data unit is arranged on an encoding line D that intersects the reference line r, the data unit occupies any continuous distance d along the encoding line D within the bounds of the encoding area as a variable to at least partially encode a parameter of the preparation information, whereby said encoding line D is linear and arranged orthogonal to the reference line r.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a National Stage of International ApplicationNo. PCT/EP2016/053735, filed on Feb. 23, 2016, which claims priority toEuropean Patent Application No. 15165921.6, filed on Apr. 30, 2015, theentire contents of which are being incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to beverage or foodstuffpreparation systems which prepare a beverage or foodstuff fromcontainers such as coffee capsules, and in particular to codes arrangedon the container that encode preparation information for reading by amachine of said system.

BACKGROUND

Increasingly preparation machines for the preparation of a beverage orfoodstuff are configured to operate using a container that comprises asingle-serving of a preparation material, e.g. coffee, tea, ice cream,yoghurt. The machine may be configured for preparation by processingsaid material in the container, e.g. with the addition of fluid, such asmilk or water, and the application of mixing thereto, such a machine isdisclosed in PCT/EP13/072692. Alternatively, the machine may beconfigured for preparation by at least partially extracting aningredient of the material from the container, e.g. by dissolution orbrewing. Examples of such machines are provided in EP 2393404 A1, EP2470053 A1, EP 2533672 A1, EP 2509473 A1, EP 2685874 A1.

The increased popularity of these machines may be partly attributed toenhanced user convenience compared to a conventional preparationmachine, e.g. compared to a manually operated stove-top espresso makeror cafetiére (French press).

It may also be partly attributed to an enhanced preparation process,wherein preparation information specific to the container and/orpreparation material therein is: encoded in a code on the container;read by the preparation machine; used by the machine to optimise thepreparation process. In particular, the preparation information maycomprise operational parameters of the machine, such as: fluidtemperature; preparation duration; mixing conditions.

Accordingly, there is a need to code preparation information on thecontainer. Various such codes have been developed, an example isprovided in EP 2594171 A1, wherein a periphery of a flange of a capsulecomprises a code arranged thereon. The code comprises a sequence ofsymbols that can be printed on the capsule during manufacture. Adrawback of such a code is that its encoding density is limited, i.e.the amount of preparation information that it can encode is limited. Afurther drawback is that the code is highly visible and may beconsidered aesthetically displeasing. EP2525691 discloses a containerwith a 2D barcode, which has a higher albeit limited encoding density.

SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a container forbeverage or foodstuff preparation material that comprises a code thathas a high encoding density. It would be advantageous to provide such acode that is less visible than the prior art. It would be advantageousto provide such a code that is un-complicated such that it does notcomprise a large number of symbols. It would be advantageous to providesuch a code that is cost-effective to produce and that can be read by acost-effective code reader. It would be advantageous to provide such acode that can be reliably read and processed.

Disclosed herein according to a first embodiment is provided a containerfor use (e.g. it is suitably dimensioned) by a foodstuff or beveragepreparation machine, in particular the machine disclosed in the secondembodiment. The container for containing beverage or foodstuffpreparation material (e.g. it has an internal volume and may be foodsafe). The container may be a single-serving container e.g. it isdimensioned for containing a dosage of beverage or foodstuff materialfor preparation of a single serving (e.g. pre portioned) of saidproduct. The container may be a single-use container, (e.g. it isintended to be used in a single preparation process after which it ispreferably rendered unusable, preferably by perforation, penetration,removal of a lid or exhaustion of said material). The containercomprises (e.g. on a surface thereof) a code encoding preparationinformation, the code comprising a reference portion and a data portion:the reference portion providing reference position for the data portionand comprises a arrangement, which may be linear, of at least tworeference units defining a reference line r; the data portion comprisingat least one data unit, wherein the data unit is arranged on an encodingline D along (e.g. with at least a portion thereof, generally a centre,intersecting said line) that intersects the reference line r, the dataunit occupies any continuous distance d along the encoding line D, asopposed to discrete positions, as a variable to encode a parameter ofthe preparation information, whereby the said encoding line D is linearand arranged orthogonal to the reference line r. The data portionpreferably has an encoding area within the bounds of which the data unitis arranged.

Accordingly, an object of the disclosure is solved since the code has ahigh encoding density as it can encode information in a continuousmanner rather than discrete manner.

The preparation information may comprise information that is related toa preparation process, e.g. one or more parameters used by the machinesuch as: temperature; torque and angular velocity (for mixing units ofmachines which effect mixing); flow rate/volume; pressure; % coolingpower; time (e.g. for which a phase comprising one or more of theaforesaid parameters are applied for); expiry date; container geometricproperties; phase identifier (for containers comprising multiple codes,whereby each of which encodes a distinct phase of a preparationoperation); container identifier; a recipe identifier that may be usedto retrieve one or more parameters of the machine which are used by themachine to prepare the product, wherein said parameters may be stored onthe machine; pre-wetting volume.

The code preferably has a peripheral length, (e.g. a side-length of arectangle) of 600-1600 μm or 600-6000 μm. Accordingly an object of thedisclosure is achieved since the code is not particularly visible. Moreparticularly, the units (i.e. the data units and reference units) thatcomprise the code preferably have a unit length of 50-250 μm. Theaforesaid unit length may be defined as: a diameter for a substantiallycircular unit; a side length for a quadrilateral unit; other suitablemeasure of length for a unit of another shape. The encoding area ispreferably a right-angled parallelogram, e.g. a square or rectangle) ata periphery, whereby the encoding lines D extend parallel to each otherand parallel to a side-length thereof.

The data portion may comprise a plurality of encoding lines D (e.g. upto 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 16, 20 or more), each comprising a correspondingarrangement of a data unit (i.e. the data unit is arranged a distance dfrom an intersection point to at least partially encode a parameter).Preferably, the encoding lines D are concentrically arranged andpreferably intersect the reference line rat a different position. A dataunit may be arranged on the encoding lines any continuous distance dfrom the intersection point. One advantage is that the code has a highencoding density as it can encode information in a continuous mannerrather than a discrete manner. The data units may be arranged onlydiscrete distances from the intersection point (i.e. the data unit canonly occupy one of a plurality of predetermined positions along the lineD, which generally do not overlap and may have a discrete separationbetween adjacent positions). In the instance of more than one encodingline D and/or more than one data units arranged along the line(s) thedata units may be arranged with combinations of continuous and discretedistances.

The reference portion may comprise a reference unit as a reference lineorientation identifier. The reference unit of said orientationidentifier may be identifiable from other units of code by one or moremeans, e.g.: it is without an associated encoding line D that has a dataunit arranged thereon and that intersects said reference unit; itcomprises a reference unit distinct from the other units of the code interms of one of more of the following: shape, size, colour; it isarranged at an end of said reference line r. One advantage is that it isconvenient for an image processor to determine an orientation of thereference line r.

A further reference unit of the reference portion may be identifiable byone or more of the following: it is arranged at a predetermined reservedposition from said orientation identifier (e.g. 600-800 μm), whereby thedata units are not arranged at said predetermined position; it isarranged at a greater position from the orientation identifier than thedata units; it is distinct from the other units of the code in terms ofone of more of the following: shape, size, colour. One advantage is thatthe reference line r can be conveniently determined by locating theorientation identifier and the further reference unit.

The encoding line D may intersect the reference line rat a referenceposition and the reference position may be absent a reference unit,whereby the or each reference position is arranged a predetermineddistance along the reference line, e.g. from the reference unit of theorientation identifier or other position, e.g. the reference units arenot arranged within or bounding a perimeter of the encoding area. Oneadvantage is that the encoding density is increased since the data unitscan be arranged in close proximity to the reference line r, e.g. withoutneeding to ensure there is adequate separation between the data unit anda reference unit that would otherwise be on said line. A portion of theencoding area may be bounded by the reference line r or overlap (e.g. itextends through) the reference line r. The aforesaid predetermineddistance can be defined as a set amount such that the referencepositions are equidistant e.g. a distance between the ends of thereference line r divided by a number of reference positions or dividedby the number of reference positions plus a particular amount such as 1or 2.

Alternatively the encoding line D may intersect the reference line rat areference position (e.g. typically each reference position other thanthe orientation identifier position), whereby the reference positioncomprises a reference unit. One advantage is that the image processorcan determine conveniently the positions of the encoding lines D. Aportion of the encoding area may be proximal the reference line r.

The data unit may further encode metadata associated with the parameter.The metadata is preferably encoded discretely (e.g. it can assume one ofa predetermined number of values). The metadata is generally to: enableidentification of the particular parameter; and/or a property associatedwith the parameter (e.g. a ± of an exponent). A unit length of a dataunit may be selected from one of a plurality of predetermined unitlengths as a variable to encode the metadata. The aforesaid unit lengthmay be defined as: a diameter for a substantially circular unit; a sidelength for a quadrilateral unit; other suitable measure of length for aunit of another shape. An offset of a centre of a data unit from theencoding line D along a linear line, the line at a point of intersectionwith the encoding line D is orthogonal thereto, may be selected from oneof a plurality of predetermined offsets as a variable to encode themetadata. Preferably said offset is achieved within the bounds of atleast part of the associated data unit intersecting the encoding line D.

A plurality of data units may be arranged along a single encoding lineD. One advantage is that the encoding density is increased. Each of thesaid data units may encode a separate parameter. Alternatively aplurality of the data units may encode a single parameter, whereby adistance d encoding said parameter may be a function (e.g. an average ora multiple) of the distances do of said plurality of data units. In suchan arrangements each data unit may be identifiable by the metadata.

The data units and reference units may be formed by one of thefollowing: printing (e.g. by a conventional ink printer: one advantageis that the code can be conveniently and cost-effectively formed);engraving; embossing. The code may be formed directly on a surface ofthe container, e.g. the substrate for the units is integral with thecontainer. Alternatively the code may be formed on an attachment, whichis attached to the container.

The container may comprise the beverage or foodstuff preparationmaterial contained therein. The container may comprise one of thefollowing: a capsule; packet; a receptacle for consumption of thebeverage or foodstuff therefrom. The capsule may have an internal volumeof 5-80 ml. The receptacle may have an internal volume of 150-350 ml.The packet may have an internal volume of 150-350 ml or 200-300 ml or50-150 depending on the application.

Disclosed herein according to a second embodiment is provided a beverageor foodstuff preparation system comprising a container according to thefirst embodiment and a beverage or foodstuff preparation machine, saidpreparation machine comprising: a preparation unit to receive acontainer and to prepare a said beverage or foodstuff therefrom; a codeprocessing system operable to: obtain a digital image of the code of thecontainer; process said digital image to decode the encoded preparationinformation; a control system operable to effect one more of thefollowing: control of said preparation unit using said decodedpreparation information; use the operation information to monitorcontainer consumption for re-ordering, e.g. via a server system througha communication interface; use preparation information to determine if acontainer has exceeded its expiry date.

The preparation unit is generally is operable perform said preparationby the addition of fluid, such as water or milk to the beverage orfoodstuff material. The container processing subsystem may comprise oneof an: an extraction unit; a dissolution unit; a mixing unit. Thecontainer processing subsystem may further comprise a fluid supply thatis operable to supply fluid to the aforesaid unit. Generally the fluidsupply comprises a fluid pump and a fluid heater. The aforesaid unitsmay be configured for operation with a container containing beverage orfoodstuff material.

Processing of the digital image to decode the preparation informationmay comprise: locating the units of the code; identifying the referenceunits and determining therefrom a reference line r; determining for eachdata unit a distance d along the encoding line D from the reference liner.

The locating of the units of the code (i.e. data and reference units)may comprise one or more of the following: conversion of the digitalimage to a binary image; determining a centre of the units by featureextraction; determining a size/area/shape of the units by pixelintegration (i.e. determining a number of pixels of a shaded region thatcomprise the unit).

Identifying the reference units and determining therefrom a referenceline r may comprise one or more of the following: identifying units witha linear arrangement; identifying units that are a predetermineddistance apart; identifying units that are a particular shape or size,e.g. a reference unit defining an orientation identifier.

Determining for each data unit a distance d along the encoding line Dfrom the reference line r may comprise determining a perpendiculardistance between a centre of the data unit and the reference position,and may include correcting for magnification/reading distance.

Processing of the digital image to decode the preparation informationmay further comprise converting a distance d into an actual value of aparameter V_(p), using a stored relationship (e.g. stored on a memoryunit of the machine) between the parameter and distance d. Therelationship may be linear, e.g. V_(p)∞d and/or it may be non-linear.The relationship may comprise at least one selected from a groupconsisting of: a logarithmic relationship, e.g. V_(p)∞ log(d); anexponential relationship, e.g. V_(p)∞e^(d); a polynomial; a stepfunction; linear. Exponential and logarithmic relationships areparticular advantageous when the accuracy of a parameter is important atlow values and less important at high values or the converserespectively. Typically the relationship is stored as an equation or asa lookup table. The relationship may be applied to any suitable variableof the preparation information, such as: temperature; torque; flowrate/volume; pressure; % cooling power. One advantage is the executionof complex recipes, which may be determined by the particular materialin the container and the functionality of the machine.

Processing of the digital image to decode the preparation informationmay further comprise determining metadata associated with the data unitof the encoded parameter, e.g. by one or more of the following:determining a unit length by feature extraction or overall area/shape bypixel integration; determining an offset of a data unit to the encodingline D by feature extraction.

Disclosed herein according to a third embodiment is a method ofpreparing a beverage or foodstuff, using the system according to thesecond embodiment, the method comprising: obtaining a digital image ofthe a code of a container according to the first embodiment, the digitalimage comprising the encoded preparation information; processing saiddigital image to decode the preparation information; operating a controlsystem to effect one more of the following: control of said preparationunit using said decoded preparation information; use the operationinformation to monitor container consumption for re-ordering, e.g. via aserver system through a communication interface; use preparationinformation to determine if a container has exceeded its expiry date.

The method may further comprise any of the steps for processing of thedigital image as defined by the third embodiment.

Disclosed herein according to a fourth embodiment is an attachmentconfigured for attachment to a container of a beverage or foodstuffpreparation machine according to the first embodiment. The attachmentmay comprise: a carrier carrying on a surface thereof a code asdescribed in the first embodiment; an attachment member for attachmentto said container. The attachment member is preferably configured forattaching said carrier to the container as if it were formed integrallyon the container. In this way it can be read by the image capturingdevice as if it formed integrally thereto. Examples of suitableattachment members comprise: an adhesive strip; a mechanical fastenersuch as a clip or bolt.

Disclosed herein according to a fifth embodiment is provided anattachment configured for attachment to a beverage or foodstuffpreparation machine according to the second embodiment. The attachmentmay comprise: a carrier carrying on a surface thereof a code asdescribed in the first embodiment; an attachment member for attachmentto said machine. The attachment member is preferably configured forattaching said carrier to the machine at a position between an imagecapturing device of said machine and the container when received, suchthat the code thereon is proximate said container. In this way it can beread by the image capturing device as if it were attached to thecontainer. Examples of suitable attachment members comprise: extensionsattached to said carrier comprising an adhesive strip or a mechanicalfastener such as a clip, bolt or bracket.

Disclosed herein according to a sixth embodiment is a use of a containeras defined in the first embodiment or the attachments as defined in thefourth and fifth embodiment for a beverage or foodstuff preparationmachine as defined in the second embodiment.

Disclosed herein according to a seventh embodiment is provided acomputer program for a processor of a code processing system of abeverage or foodstuff preparation machine as defined the secondembodiment, the computer program comprising program code to: obtain(e.g. by controlling an image capturing device) a digital image of acode of a container according to the first embodiment; process saiddigital image to decode the encoded preparation information. Thefunctional units described by the computer programs generally herein maybe implemented, in various manners, using digital electronic logic, forexample, one or more ASICs or FPGAs; one or more units of firmwareconfigured with stored code; one or more computer programs or othersoftware elements such as modules or algorithms; or any combinationthereof. One embodiment may comprise a special-purpose computerspecially configured to perform the functions described herein and inwhich all of the functional units comprise digital electronic logic, oneor more units of firmware configured with stored code, or one or morecomputer programs or other software elements stored in storage media.The computer program may further comprise program code for effecting anyof the steps of processing of the digital image as defined by the secondembodiment.

Disclosed herein according to an eighth embodiment is provided anon-transitory computer readable medium comprising the computer programaccording to seventh embodiment. The non-transitory computer readablemedium may comprise a memory unit of the processor or othercomputer-readable storage media for having computer readable programcode stored thereon for programming a computer, e.g. a hard disk, aCD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, Flashmemory.

Disclosed herein according to an eighth embodiment is a method ofencoding preparation information, the method comprising forming a codeon: a container for a beverage or foodstuff preparation machine, thecontainer for containing beverage or foodstuff material; or anattachment for attachment to said container or said machine. The methodmay comprise encoding information with the code according to any featureof the first embodiment. In particular the method may comprise:arranging at least two reference units to define a reference line r of areference portion; and least partially encoding a parameter of thepreparation information with a data portion of the code by arranging adata unit on an encoding line D that intersects the reference line r,the data unit being arranged any distance d extending along the encodingline D from said intersection as a variable for said encoding, wherebysaid encoding line D is linear and is arranged orthogonal the referenceline r at said intersection point. The method may comprise forming thecode by one of the following: printing; engraving; embossing.

Disclosed herein according to a ninth embodiment is provided a use of acode as defined in the first embodiment for encoding preparationinformation, preferably on: a container of a beverage or foodstuffpreparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuffmaterial as defined in the first embodiment; or an attachment accordingto the seventh or eighth embodiment.

Disclosed herein according to a tenth embodiment is an informationcarrying medium comprising the code according to the first embodiment.In particular the information carrying medium may comprise the containeras defined herein, either of the attachments as defined herein, or asubstrate, such as an adhesive strip of other suitable medium. Themethod of encoding preparation information according to the secondembodiment may be applied to the information carrying medium. The methodof decoding preparation information according to the third aspect may beapplied to the information carrying medium. The beverage or foodstuffpreparation machine according to the fourth embodiment may be configuredfor operation with the information carrying medium, e.g. via itsattachment to the container or other suitable component, such as eitherof the aforedescribed attachments. The system according to fifth maycomprise the information carrying medium. The method of preparing abeverage or foodstuff of the sixth embodiment may be adapted to compriseobtaining a digital image of the code of the information carryingmedium.

The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing someexemplary embodiments to provide a basic understanding of aspects of thesubject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-describedfeatures are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow thescope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way.Moreover, the above embodiments may be combined in any suitablecombination to provide further embodiments. Other features, aspects, andadvantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparentfrom the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic drawing illustrating embodiments of beverage orfoodstuff preparation systems that comprises a machine and a containeraccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control system and codeprocessing subsystem for the preparation machine of FIG. 1 according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is diagrammatic drawing illustrating containers for thepreparation machine of FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 4-5 are plan views showing to scale codes for the containers ofFIG. 3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6-7 are diagrammatic drawings illustrating attachments for thesystem of FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Beverage Preparation System

A beverage or foodstuff preparation system 2, an example of which isillustrated in FIG. 1, comprises: a beverage or foodstuff preparationmachine 4; a container 6, which are described sequentially.

Preparation Machine

The beverage or foodstuff preparation machine 4 is operable to process aportion of beverage or foodstuff material, hereon preparation material,to a foodstuff and/or beverage for consumption by eating and/ordrinking. A foodstuff material as defined herein may comprise asubstance capable of being processed to a nutriment generally foreating, which may be chilled or hot, non-exhaustive examples of whichare: yoghurt; mousse; parfait; soup; ice cream; sorbet; custard;smoothies. Preferably the foodstuff is a liquid, gel or paste foodstuff.A beverage material as defined herein may comprise a substance capableof being processed to a potable substance, which may be chilled or hot,non-exhaustive examples of which are: tea; coffee, including groundcoffee; hot chocolate; milk; cordial. It will be appreciated that thereis a degree of overlap between both definitions, i.e. said machine 4 canprepare both a foodstuff and a beverage.

The preparation machine 4 is generally dimensioned for use on a worktop, e.g. it is less than 70 cm in length, width and height. Thepreparation machine 4 may have various configurations depending on theparticular type of beverage and/or foodstuff it is intended forpreparation of, examples of which are:

a first embodiment, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 1,wherein the preparation machine 4 is generally for foodstuff preparationand is operable to prepare preparation material that is supplied in acontainer 6 that is a receptacle for end-user consumption therefrom,example of a suitable preparation machine is provided inPCT/EP13/072692, which is incorporated herein by reference;

a second embodiment wherein the preparation machine 4 is generally forfoodstuff preparation and is operable to dispense preparation materialthat is supplied in a container 6, such as a packet or capsule, into analternate receptacle for end-user consumption, wherein the foodstuff isprepared in the said receptacle, an example of a suitable preparationmachine is disclosed in PCT/EP13/072692, and EP 14167344A, which isincorporated herein by reference;

a third embodiment wherein the preparation machine 4 is generally forbeverage preparation and is operable to extract one or more ingredientsof preparation material within a single use container 6, such as apacket or capsule, and to dispense the said ingredients into analternate receptacle for end-user consumption, examples of suitablepreparation machines 4 are disclosed in EP 2393404 A1, EP 2470053 A1, EP2533672 A1, EP 2509473 A1 EP 2685874 A1, EP 2594171 A1, which areincorporated herein by reference.

For completeness a several such preparation machine 4 will now bedescribed in more detail, which can be considered to comprise: a housing10; a preparation unit 14; a control system 16; code processing system18, which are described sequentially:

Housing

The housing 10 houses and supports the mentioned components andcomprises: a base 20 for abutment of a horizontally arranged supportsurface; a body 22 for mounting thereto the other components.

Preparation Unit

Depending on the embodiment of the preparation machine 4, thepreparation unit 14 may be operable to at least partially prepare afoodstuff/beverage from preparation material arranged in: asingle-serving, single use container 6; a container 6 that is areceptacle for end-user consumption therefrom; a combination thereof.Embodiments of each configuration of will be discussed.

In general all the embodiments the preparation unit 14 comprises a fluidsupply 12 that is operable to supply fluid used during preparation,which is in general water or milk that maybe conditioned (i.e. heated orcooled) typically to the container 6. The fluid supply 12 typicallycomprises: a reservoir 24 for containing fluid, which in mostapplications is 1-5 litres of fluid; a fluid pump 26, such as areciprocating or rotary pump that may be driven by an electrical motoror an induction coil; a an optional fluid heater 28, which generallycomprises an in-line, thermo block type heater; an outlet for supplyingthe fluid. The reservoir 24, fluid pump 26, fluid heater 28, and outletare in fluid communication with each other in any suitable order. In analternative example the fluid supply 12 may comprise a connection to anexternal fluid source e.g. a water main.

Preparation Unit for Preparation of Preparation Material Supplied inContainer

According to the first embodiment of the preparation machine 4, anexample of which is illustrated in FIG. 1, the preparation unit 14 isoperable to prepare preparation material stored in a container 6 that isa receptacle, such as a cup, pot or other suitable receptacle configuredto hold approximately 150-350 ml of prepared product. Herein thepreparation unit 14 may be referred to as a mixing unit and may comprisean: agitator unit 30; auxiliary product unit 32; thermal exchanger 34;receptacle support 52, which will be described sequentially.

The agitator unit 30 is operable to agitate preparation material withinthe receptacle 6 for at least partial preparation thereof. The agitatorunit 30 may comprise any suitable mixing arrangement, e.g. a: planetarymixer; spiral mixer; vertical cut mixer. Typically the agitator unit 30comprises: an implement for mixing having a mixing head for contact withthe preparation material; and a drive unit, such as an electric motor orsolenoid, to drive the mixing implement. In a preferred example of aplanetary mixer the mixing head comprises an agitator that rotates witha radial angular velocity W1 on an offset shaft that rotates withgyration angular velocity W2, such an arrangement is disclosed inPCT/EP13/072692.

The auxiliary product unit 32 is operable to supply an auxiliaryproduct, such as a topping, to the container 6. The auxiliary productunit 32 comprises: a reservoir to store said product; an electricallyoperated dispensing system to effect the dispensing of said product fromthe reservoir.

The thermal exchanger 34 is operable to transfer and/or extract thermalenergy from the container 6. In an example of transfer of thermal energyit may comprise a heater such as thermo block. In an example ofextraction of thermal energy it may comprise heat pump such as arefrigeration-type cycle heat pump.

The receptacle support 52 is operable to support the container 6 duringa preparation process such that the container 6 remains stationaryduring agitation of the preparation material therein by the agitatorunit 30. The receptacle support 52 preferably is thermally associatedwith the thermal exchanger 34 such that transfer of thermal energy canoccur with a supported receptacle.

According to the second embodiment of the preparation machine 4, theafore-described first embodiment preparation unit 14 further comprises adispensing mechanism for receiving a container 6 and dispensing theassociated preparation material into the receptacle, where it isprepared. Such an example is disclosed in EP 14167344 A. In a particularembodiment with this configuration the container may be a partiallycollapsible container, whereby the container is collapsible to dispensematerial stored therein. Such an example is disclosed in EP 15195547 A,which is incorporated herein by reference. In particular a collapsibleportion of the container comprises a geometric configuration and/orportion of weakening such that said portion collapses in preference to aretaining portion upon the application of axial load through bothportions. In such an embodiment the container processing unit 14comprises a mechanical actuation device configured to apply an axialload to collapse said container, an example of which is provided in thereference application.

Preparation Unit for Extraction of Beverage Ingredients from Container

According to the third embodiment of the preparation machine 4, thepreparation unit 14 may be referred to as an extraction unit and may beoperable: to receive the container 6 containing preparation material;process the container 6 to extract one or more ingredients of a beveragetherefrom, and to dispense the said ingredients into an alternatereceptacle for end-user consumption. The container is generally asingle-use, single-serving container such as a capsule or packet: apreparation unit 14 for use with the said capsule will initially bedescribed followed by a variant machine for use with said packet.

In the example of the container 6 comprising a capsule the preparationunit 14 is operable to move between a capsule receiving position and acapsule extraction position, when moving from the capsule extractionposition to the capsule receiving position, the extraction unit may bemoved through or to a capsule ejection position, wherein a spent capsulecan be ejected therefrom. The preparation unit typically comprises: aninjection head; a capsule holder; a capsule holder loading system; acapsule insertion channel; a capsule ejection channel, which aredescribed sequentially.

The injection head is configured to inject fluid into a cavity of thecapsule when held by the capsule holder, and to this end has mountedthereto an injector, which has a nozzle that is in fluid communicationwith the outlet of the fluid supply.

The capsule holder is configured to hold the capsule during extractionand to this end it is operatively linked to the injection head. Thecapsule holder is operable to move to implement the said capsulereceiving position and capsule extraction position: with the capsuleholder in the capsule receiving position a capsule can be supplied tothe capsule holder from the capsule insertion channel; with the capsuleholder in the capsule extraction position a supplied capsule is held bythe holder, the injection head can inject fluid into the cavity of theheld capsule, and one or more ingredients can be extracted therefrom.When moving the capsule holder from the capsule extraction position tothe capsule receiving position, the capsule holder can be moved throughor to the said capsule ejection position, wherein a spent capsule can beejected from the capsule holder via the capsule ejection channel.

The capsule holder loading system is operable to drive the capsuleholder between the capsule receiving position and the capsule extractionposition.

The preparation unit 14 can operate by means of injection of fluid atpressure into the cavity of the capsule 6, e.g. at up to 20 bar, whichcan be achieved by means of the injection head and pump 26. It mayalternatively operate by centrifugation as disclosed in EP 2594171 A1,which is incorporated herein by reference. Further examples of suitablepreparation units are provided in EP 2393404 A1, EP 2470053 A1, EP2533672 A1, EP 2509473 A1 EP 2685874 A1 and EP 2594171 A1. Thepreparation unit 14 may alternatively comprise a dissolution unitconfigured as disclosed in EP 1472156 and in EP 1784344, which areincorporated herein by reference.

In the example of the container 6 comprising a packet the preparationunit 14 is operable to receive the packet and to inject, at an inletthereof, fluid from the fluid supply 12. The injected fluid mixes withpreparation material within the packet to at least partially prepare thebeverage, which exits the packet via an outlet thereof. The preparationunit 14 comprises: a support mechanism to receive an unused packet andeject a spent packet; an injector configured to supply fluid to thepacket from the outlet of the fluid supply. Further detail is providedin WO 2014/125123, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Control System

The control system 16, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 2, isoperable to control the preparation unit 14 to prepare thebeverage/foodstuff. The control system 16 typically comprises: a userinterface 36; a processor 38; optional sensors 40; a power supply 42; anoptional communication interface 44, which are described sequentially.

The user interface 36 comprises hardware to enable a user to interfacewith the processor 38 and hence is operatively connected thereto. Moreparticularly: the user interface receives commands from a user; the userinterface signal transfers the said commands to the processor 38 as aninput. The commands may, for example, be an instruction to execute apreparation process and/or to adjust an operational parameter of thepreparation machine 4 and/or to power on or off the beverage preparationmachine 4. The processor 38 may also output feedback to the userinterface 36 as part of the preparation process, e.g. to indicate thebeverage preparation process has been initiated or that a parameterassociated with the process has been selected. The hardware of the userinterface 36 may comprise any suitable device(s), for example, thehardware comprises one or more of the following: buttons, such as ajoystick button or press button; joystick; LEDs; graphic or characterLDCs; graphical screen with touch sensing and/or screen edge buttons.

The sensors 40 are operatively connected to the processor 38 to providean input for monitoring of the preparation process and/or a status ofthe preparation machine 4. The input can be an analogue or digitalsignal. The sensors 40 typically comprise one or more of the following:fluid level sensors associated with the reservoir 24; flow rate sensorsassociated with the fluid pump 26; temperature sensors associated withthe thermal exchanger 28. In the first and second embodiment of thepreparation machine 4, the sensors may further comprise: fluid levelsensors operable to measure a fluid level in the receptacle; sensors formeasuring a temperature of a product in the receptacle; sensors formeasuring the toque applied by the mixing head of the agitator unit 30to the product; sensors for measuring the velocity of the mixing head ofthe agitator unit 30; receptacle detection sensors to detect thepresence of the receptacle supported by the receptacle support 52. Inthe third embodiment of the preparation machine 4, the sensors mayfurther comprise: position sensors associated with the preparation unit14 that are operable to sense the position thereof; container 6 (e.g.the capsule or packet) detection sensors to detect the presence of thecontainer supplied by a user.

The processor 38 is operable to: receive an input, e.g. the commandsfrom the user interface 36 and/or from the sensors 40; process the inputaccording to program code stored on a memory unit (or programmed logic);provide an output, which is generally a preparation process. Inparticular the output may comprise: operating the code processing system18 to determine preparation information on the container 6; operatingthe preparation unit 14 in accordance with the determined information.Operation of the preparation unit 14 can be open-loop control, or morepreferable closed-loop control using the input signal from the sensors40 as feedback. The processor 38 generally comprises memory, input andoutput system components, which are arranged as an integrated circuit,typically as a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The processor 38 maycomprise other suitable integrated circuits, such as: an ASIC; aprogrammable logic device such as an FPGA; an analogue integratedcircuit, such as a controller. For such devices, where appropriate, theaforementioned program code can be considered programmed logic or toadditionally comprise programmed logic. The processor 38 may alsocomprise one or more of the aforementioned integrated circuits, i.e.multiple processors. The processor 38 generally comprises a memory unit46 for storage of the program code and optionally data. The memory unittypically comprises: a non-volatile memory e.g. EPROM, EEPROM or Flashfor program code and operating parameter storage; volatile memory (RAM)for data storage. The memory unit may comprise separate and/orintegrated (e.g. on a die of the processor) memory.

The program code stored on a memory unit (or programmed logic) can beidealised as comprising a preparation program 48 that is executable bythe processor 38 to execute said preparation process. Typically thepreparation process comprises: determining the preparation informationfrom the container (i.e. by interfacing with the code processing system18); using to control said comprising the information and/or otherinformation that may be stored as data on the memory unit 46 and/orinput via the user interface 36. The determined information may as analternative or in addition be used by the preparation program 48 or adevice in communication therewith (e.g. a server communicating with thepreparation machine over a network such as the internet via acommunication interface): to monitor container 6 consumption forre-ordering; to scheduled maintenance of the preparation machine; tomonitor machine usage.

The power supply 42 is operable to supply electrical energy to theprocessor 38 and associated components. The power supply 42 may comprisevarious means, such as a battery or a unit to receive and condition amains electrical supply. The power supply 42 may be operatively linkedto part of the user interface 36 for powering on or off the preparationmachine 4.

The communication interface 44 is for data communication of the beveragepreparation machine 4 with another device/system, typically a serversystem. The communication interface 44 can be used to supply and/orreceive information related to the preparation process, such ascontainer consumption information and/or preparation processinformation. The communication interface 44 can be configured for cabledmedia or wireless media or a combination thereof, e.g.: a wiredconnection, such as RS-232, USB, I²C, Ethernet define by IEEE 802.3; awireless connection, such as wireless LAN (e.g. IEEE 802.11) or nearfield communication (NFC) or a cellular system such as GPRS or GSM. Thecommunication interface 44 is operatively connected to the processor 38.Generally the communication interface comprises a separate processingunit (examples of which are provided above) to control communicationhardware (e.g. an antenna) to interface with the maser processor 38.However, less complex configurations can be used e.g. a simple wiredconnection for serial communication directly with the processor 38.

Code Processing System

The code processing system 18 is operable: to obtain an image of a codeon the container 6; to process said image to decode the encodedpreparation information. The code processing system 18 comprises an:image capturing device 54; image processing device 56; output device 72,which are described sequentially.

The image capturing device 54 is operable to capture a digital image ofthe code and to transfer, as digital data, said image to the imageprocessing device 56. To enable the scale of the digital image to bedetermined: the image capturing device 54 is arranged a predetermineddistance away from the code when obtaining the digital image; in anexample wherein the image capturing device 54 comprises a lens themagnification of the lens is preferably stored on a memory of the imageprocessing device 56. The image capturing device 54 comprises anysuitable optical device for capturing a digital image consisting of thelatter discussed micro-unit code composition; examples of suitableoptical devices are: Sonix SN9S102; Snap Sensor S2 imager; anoversampled binary image sensor.

The image processing device 56 is operatively connected to the imagecapturing device 54 and is operable to process said digital data todecode preparation information encoded therein. Processing of thedigital data is discussed in the following paragraphs. The imageprocessing device 56 may comprise a processor such as a microcontrolleror an ASIC. It may alternatively comprise the aforesaid processor 38, insuch an embodiment it will be appreciated that the output device isintegrated in the processor 38. For the said processing the imageprocessing device 56 typically comprises a code processing program. Anexample of a suitable image processing device is the Texas InstrumentsTMS320C5517.

The output device 72 is operatively connected to the image processingdevice 56 and is operable to output digital data that comprises thedecoded preparation information to the processor 38, e.g. by means of aserial interface.

Container

The container 6 may comprise, depending on the embodiment of thepreparation machine 4 a: receptacle comprising preparation material forpreparation and end-user consumption therefrom; a capsule or packetcomprising preparation material for preparation therefrom. The container6 may be formed from various materials, such as metal or plastic or acombination thereof. In general the material is selected such that itis: food-safe; it can withstand the pressure/temperature of thepreparation process. Suitable examples of containers are providedfollowing.

The container 6 when not in packet form generally comprises: a bodyportion 58 defining a cavity for the storage of a dosage of apreparation material; a lid portion 60 for closing the cavity; a flangeportion 62 or other suitable arrangement for connection of the bodyportion and flange portion, the flange portion generally being arrangeddistal a base of the cavity. The body portion may comprise variousshapes, such as a disk, frusto-conical or rectangular cross-sectioned.Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the capsule 6 may take variousforms, an example of which are provided in FIG. 3A, which maygenerically extend to a receptacle/capsule as defined herein. Thecontainer 6 may be distinguished as a receptacle for end-userconsumption therefrom when configured with an internal volume of 150-350ml. In a similar fashion a capsule may by distinguished when configuredwith an internal volume of less than 100 ml. The container 6 incollapsible configuration may comprise an internal volume of 5 ml-250ml.

The container 6 when in packet form as shown in FIG. 3B generallycomprises: an arrangement of sheet material 64 (such as one or moresheets joined at their periphery) defining an internal volume 66 for thestorage of a dosage of a preparation material; an inlet 68 for inflow offluid into the internal volume 66; an outlet 70 for outflow of fluid andbeverage/foodstuff material from the internal volume. Typically theinlet 68 and outlet 70 are arranged on a body of an attachment (notshown), which is attached to the sheet material. The sheet material maybe formed from various materials, such as metal foil or plastic or acombination thereof. Typically the volume 66 may be 150-350 ml or200-300 ml or 50-150 depending on the application.

Information Encoded by Code

A code 74 of the container 6 encodes preparation information, whichgenerally comprises information related to the associated preparationprocess. Depending of the embodiment of the preparation machine 4 saidinformation may encode one or more parameters, which may comprise one ofmore of a: fluid temperature (at container inlet and/or outlet toreceptacle); fluid mass/volumetric flow rate; fluid volume; phaseduration (e.g. a duration for applying the aforesaid parameters);container geometric parameters, such as shape/volume; other containerparameters e.g. a container identifier, expiry date, which may forexample be used to monitor container consumption for the purpose ofcontainer re-ordering.

Specifically in respect of the first embodiment preparation machine 4said encoded parameters may comprise one or more of a: percentagecooling or heating power to apply (e.g. the power applied by the thermalexchanger 34); torque applied by the agitator unit 30; one or moreangular velocities (e.g. a gyration and radial angular velocities W1,W2); container temperature (e.g. the temperature set by the thermalexchanger 34); time of a particular phase of preparation for which theaforesaid one or more parameters are applied for; phase identifier, e.g.an alphanumeric identifier, to identify which of a plurality of phasesthe aforesaid one or more parameters relate.

Arrangement of Code

The code is arranged on an exterior surface of the container 6 in anysuitable position such that it can be processed by the code processingsystem 18. In the afore-discussed example of a receptacle/capsule, asshown in FIG. 3A, the code can be arranged in any exterior surfacethereof, e.g. the lid, body or flange portion. In the afore-discussedexample of a packet 6, as shown in FIG. 3B, the code can be arranged inany exterior surface thereof, e.g. either or both sides of the packet,including the rim.

Composition of Code

The code 74 is configured to encode the preparation information in amanner for capturing by the image capturing device 54. Moreparticularly, the code is formed of a plurality of units 76, preferablymicro units, with a surround of a different colour: typically the unitscomprise a dark colour (e.g. one of the following: black, dark blue,purple, dark green) and the surround comprises a light colour (e.g. oneof the following: white, light blue, yellow, light green) or theconverse, such that there is sufficient contrast for the imageprocessing device 56 to distinguish therebetween. The units 76 may haveone or a combination of the following shapes: circular; triangular;polygon, in particular a quadrilateral such as square or parallelogram;other known suitable shape. It will be appreciated that due to formationerror, e.g. printing error, the aforesaid shape can be an approximationof the actual shape. The units 76 typically have a unit length of 50-200μm (e.g. 60, 80, 100, 120, 150 μm). The unit length is a suitablydefined distance of the unit, e.g.: for a circular shape the diameter;for a square a side length; for a polygon a diameter or distance betweenopposing vertices; for a triangle a hypotenuse. The units 76 arepreferably arranged with a precision of about 1 μm.

Whilst the code is referred to as comprising a plurality of units itwill be appreciated that the units may alternatively be referred to aselements or markers.

Typically the units 76 are formed by: printing e.g. my means of an inkprinter; embossed; engraved; otherwise known means. As an example ofprinting the ink may be conventional printer ink and the substrate maybe: polyethylene terephthalate (PET); aluminium coated with a lacquer(as found on Nespresso™ Classic™ capsules) or other suitable substrate.As an example of embossing the shape may be pressed into a plasticallydeformable substrate (such as the aforesaid aluminium coated with alacquer) by a stamp.

The units 76 are organised into a: data portion 78 to encode thepreparation information; reference portion 80 to provide a reference forthe data portion 78. The reference portion 80 comprises a plurality ofreference units 86, the centres of which have a linear arrangement todefine a reference line r, with one of the reference units generallydefines an reference line r orientation identifier 88. The data portion78 comprises an encoding area 90, within the bounds of which the dataunits 82 are arranged. A data unit 82 is arranged on an encoding line Dthat intersects the reference line r. Generally the data unit is able tooccupy any continuous distance d along the data line D, as opposed todiscrete positions only (i.e. discrete meaning predetermined positionsonly), as a variable to encode a parameter of the preparationinformation. In this respect a wider range of information may beencoded. The data portion 78 comprises n data units 82, wherein n isnumerically 1 or more, and thus generally encodes n parameters. In asimilar fashion the reference portion 80 comprises m reference units 86,wherein m is numerically at least two.

More particularly the encoding line D intersects the reference line r ata reference position 84. A reference position 84 may or may not comprisea reference unit 86. The distance d is defined from the referenceposition to a position on the encoding line D which a centre of the dataunit 82 is arranged on, or arranged proximate thereto, e.g. at aposition on the encoding line D which is intersected by a line throughthe centre of the data unit 82, whereby said line is orthogonal to theencoding line D at the point of intersection.

Code with Cartesian Coordinate Arrangement

According to a first embodiment of the code 74, an example of which isillustrated in FIG. 4, the code comprises a right-angled parallelogramplanform, i.e. a square or rectangle. Typically the planform has a sidelength of 600-1600 μm, or about 1100 μm, which will depend on the numberof parameters encoded. Note in FIG. 4 (and those following) thereference line r and encoding line D are shown for illustrative purposesonly, that is to say they do not require physical formation as part ofthe code, rather they can be defined virtually when an image of the codeis processed as will be discussed.

The reference portion 80 comprises m reference units 86, (five areillustrated) with a linear arrangement. The said reference units 86define the reference line r. One of the reference units 86 defines areference line orientation identifier 88, which enables determination ofthe orientation of the reference line r and associated referencepositions 84, e.g. each reference position 84 is a predetermineddistance (such as 100-200 μm or 160 μm) along the reference line r fromthe orientation identifier 88. The orientation identifier 88 may beidentifiable as one or a combination of: a reference unit 86 that doesnot have associated therewith a data unit 82; a different shape from theother reference units; a reference unit arranged at an end of thereference line r, in the illustrated example the latter is shown.Numbering of the reference positions 84 herein comprises the lowestnumber reference position 84 proximate the orientation identifier 88,increasing consecutively to the highest number reference position 84distal thereto, as indicated by the corresponding distances d_(1-n).

As shown in the illustrated example, the reference line r may bearranged a predetermined minimum distance away from the encoding area 90of the data portion 78, e.g. by 50 μm-150 μm or 100 μm, to ensureadequate separation of the reference units 86 and data units 82.Alternatively the reference line r bounds the encoding area 90.

The data portion 78 comprises an encoding area 90, which may be 600-1200μm, or preferably about 800 μm) wherein the data units 82 thereof arearranged. There are n data units 82 (four are illustrated) with eacharranged at a perpendicular distance d along an encoding line D from thereference line r. A point of intersection between D and r defines thereference position 84. Each data unit 82 may have a correspondingreference unit 86 at the associated reference position 84 (as shown inthe figure). Alternatively there is no reference unit at the referenceposition 84, whereby the reference position 84 is defined virtually,e.g. it is interpolated by a predetermined distance from an adjacentreference unit 86. More than one data unit 82 can be arranged along anencoding line D, e.g. so that multiple parameters are encoded on anencoding line D or so that each parameter has multiple values associatedtherewith, examples of which will be provided. A value of a parameter isencoded by the perpendicular distance d of the data unit 82 from itsassociated reference position 84.

Each data unit 82 (or further data units) optionally encodes metadataabout an associated parameter. The metadata is generally encodeddiscretely, i.e. it can only assume certain values. Various examples ofencoding the metadata are given following.

In a first embodiment, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 5A, ametadata is encoded as a characteristic size (e.g. the size defined bythe above-defined unit length or area) of the data unit 82, the sizebeing identifiable as a variable by the image processing device 56.Particularly, the size may be one of a list of 2 or 3 or 4 particularsizes, e.g. selected from 60, 80, 100, 120 μm. In a particular example,which is illustrated at the first-third reference positions 84, the sizeof the data unit 82 may be a one of three sizes. In a particularexample, which is illustrated at the fourth reference position 84, thereare three parameters encoded, the data unit 82 of each parameter beingidentifiable by the metadata of the three different sizes.

In a second embodiment, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 5B,metadata is encoded as a characteristic position of the data unit 82with respect to the arrangement of the data unit 82 in a directionparallel to the reference line r. In spite of the offset the encodingline D still intersects the data unit 82. In particular: the data unit82 may be offset in a first or second position with respect to theencoding line D to encode two values of the metadata; the data unit 82may be offset in the first or second position or arranged in a thirdposition on the encoding line D to encode three values of the metadata.The first and second position may be defined by a centre of the dataunit 82 arranged a particular distance away from the encoding line D,e.g. at least 20 μm. The third position may be defined by a centre ofthe data unit 82 arranged less than a particular distance away from theencoding line D, e.g. less than 5 μm. In a particular example, which isillustrated at the first-third reference positions 84, the data unit 82may be in a first, second or third position to encode metadata. In aparticular example, which is illustrated at the fourth referenceposition, the said reference position has three parameters encodedtherewith, the data unit 82 of each parameter being identifiable by themetadata of the position of the data unit 82.

In a third embodiment, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 5C,metadata is encoded as a characteristic position of one or two dataunits 82 with respect to their arrangement on either side of thereference line r. As examples: a data unit 82 on the left of thereference line r may encode a negative of the parameter and a data unit82 one the right of the reference line r may encode a positive of theparameter or the converse; for the same parameter a data unit 82 on theleft of the reference line r may encode a mantissa, a data unit 82 onethe right of the reference line r may encode an exponent or the conversearrangement; a data unit 82 on the left of the reference line r mayencode the same parameter as that on the right such that an average canbe taken for enhanced accuracy.

In a fourth embodiment, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 5D,metadata is encoded as a characteristic position of the data unit 82with respect to the arrangement of the data unit 82 along the referenceline r from the orientation identifier 88. The fourth embodiment issimilar to the second embodiment however the associated reference unit86 moves with the data unit 82, e.g. to define 2 or 3 (as illustrated)positions.

In a fifth embodiment (not shown) metadata is encoded as acharacteristic shape. For example the shape may be one of a list of:circular; triangular; polygon. In a sixth embodiment (not shown)metadata is encoded as a characteristic colour. For example the colourmay be one of a list of: red; green; blue, suitable for identificationby an RGB image sensor.

The first-sixth embodiments may be suitably combined, e.g. an encodedparameter may have metadata encoded with a combination of the first andsecond embodiment.

A specific example of the code 74 for the first embodiment of thepreparation machine 4, is illustrated in FIG. 5E, wherein: the firstreference position 84 and second reference position 84 have associateddata units 82 that encode parameters that have metadata encodedaccording to the second embodiment (i.e. 2 values for the metadata); thethird reference position 86 has a data unit 82 that encodes a parameterwithout any metadata; the fourth reference position 84 has three dataunits 82, each encoding a parameter, the parameter having metadataencoded according to a combination of the first and second embodiment(i.e. 3 values for the size of the unit and 3 values for the position ofthe unit, hence a total of 9 possible values of the metadata).

In particular: the first and second reference positions 84 encode therespective radial angular velocity W1 and the gyration angular velocityW2, with optionally the position above and below the associated encodingline D designating respective positive and negative angular velocities;the third reference position 84 encodes a percentage cooling power toapply; the fourth reference position encodes time, temperature, torqueas the respective small, medium and large data units in particularpositions, whereby these parameters represent triggers such that when acondition set by one of them is achieved then the phase encoded by thecode 74 is compete.

Method of Processing Code

The code processing system 18 processes the code to determine thepreparation information by: obtaining by means of the image capturingdevice 54 a digital image of the code; processing by means of the imageprocessing device 56 digital data of the digital image to decode thepreparation information; outputting by means of the output device 72said decoded preparation information.

Processing of the digital data comprises: locating the units 82, 86 inthe code; identifying the reference units 86 and determining therefrom areference line r; determining for each data unit 82 a distance d alongthe encoding line D from the reference line r, each of which will bedescribed sequentially.

Locating the units 82, 86 in the code is generally achieved byconversion of the pixels represented in the digital data to a one-bitbi-tonal black and white image, i.e. a binary image, whereby theassociated conversion parameters are set to distinguish the units fromtheir surrounding base level. Alternatively an oversampled binary imagesensor may be used as the image capturing device 54 to provide thebinary image. Locations of the centre of units may be determined by afeature extraction technique such as circle Hough Transform. Differentsized units may be identified by pixel integration.

Identification of the reference units 86 and determining therefrom areference line r, is generally achieved by identification of one or acombination of: units that have a linear arrangement; units that are apredetermined distance apart; units that are a particular shape or size.An orientation identifier of the reference line r can be determined by:a reference unit 86 that is a difference shape or size from the otherreference units; a reference unit 86 that does not have associatedtherewith a data unit 82 on an encoding line D.

Determining for each data unit 82 a distance d along the encoding line Dfrom the associated reference position 84 of the reference line r isgenerally achieved by determining the distance from the centre of a dataunit 82 to the associated reference position 84. The determined distancecan be corrected using the magnification and/or distance of the imagecapturing device 54 away from the code 74 when the image was captured.

To determine a value V_(p) of the parameter associated with thedetermined distance d, stored information can be utilised that defines arelationship between the parameter and distance d. This step may beperformed at the image processing device 56 or processor 38. Therelationship may be linear, e.g. V_(p)∞d. Alternatively it may benon-linear. A non-linear relationship may comprise a logarithmicrelationship, e.g. V_(p)∞ log(d) or an exponential relationship, e.g.V_(p)∞e^(d). Such a relationship is particular advantageous when theaccuracy of a parameter is important at low values and less important athigh values or the converse e.g. for the first embodiment of thepreparation machine 4 the accuracy of the angular velocities W1, W2 ofthe mixing unit are more important at a low angular velocity than at ahigh angular velocity, hence a logarithmic relationship is preferable.

The aforesaid metadata about the parameter can be determined dependingon the embodiment of encoding, e.g.: in the first example by determiningfor the associated data unit 82 a unit length by feature extraction oroverall area by pixel integration; in the second example by determiningfor the associated data unit 82 an offset to the encoding line D byfeature extraction; in the third and fourth example by determining thecentre of the associated data units by feature extraction.

Machine and Container Attachments

An attachment 94 may comprise the afore-described code 74 arranged on asurface thereof, the attachment 94 configured for attachment to theafore-described beverage or foodstuff preparation machine 4. Theattachment, an example which is illustrated in FIG. 6, comprises: acarrier 96 for carrying the code 74; an attachment member 98 forattachment of the carrier 96 to the machine 4 between an image capturingdevice 54 of said machine 4 and a container 6 received by said machine 4and proximate said container. In this way an image of the code 74 can becaptured by the image capturing device 54 as if it were attached to thecontainer 6. Examples of suitable attachment members comprise:extensions attached to said carrier comprising an adhesive strip (asillustrated); a mechanical fastener such as a clip, bolt or bracket.

An alternate attachment 100 may comprise the afore-described code 74,arranged on a surface thereof, the attachment 100 configured forattachment to the afore-described container 6. The attachment 100, anexample which is illustrated in FIG. 7, comprises: a carrier 96 forcarrying of the code 74; an attachment member 98 for attachment of thecarrier 96 to the container 6. In this way an image of the code 74 canbe captured by the image capturing device 54 as if it were formedintegrally one the container 6 Examples of suitable attachment memberscomprise: an adhesive strip (as illustrated); a mechanical fastener suchas a clip, bolt or bracket.

LIST OF REFERENCES 2 Preparation system 4 Preparation machine  10Housing   20 Base   22 Body  14 Preparation unit   12 Fluid supply    24Reservoir    26 Fluid pump    28 fluid thermal exchanger   Embodiment 1  30 Agitator unit   32 Auxiliary product unit   34 Thermal exchanger  52 Receptacle support  16 Control system   36 User interface   38Processor    46 Memory unit     48 Preparation program   40 Sensors(temperature, receptaclelevel, flow rate, torque, velocity)   42 Powersupply   44 Communication interface  18 Code processing system   54Image capturing device   56 Image processing device   72 Output device 6Container  Capsule/Receptacle  58 Body portion  60 Lid portion  62Flange portion  Packet  64 Sheet material  66 Internal volume  68 Inlet 70 Outlet   74 Code    76 Unit     78 Data portion      90 Encodingarea      82 Data unit     80 Reference portion      84 Referenceposition      86 Reference unit       88 Orientation identifier

The invention claimed is:
 1. A container for a beverage or foodstuffpreparation machine, the container containing beverage or foodstuffmaterial and comprising a code encoding preparation information, thecode comprising a reference portion and a data portion: the referenceportion comprising an arrangement of at least two reference units todefine a reference line r; the data portion having an encoding areacomprising a data unit, wherein the data unit is arranged on an encodingline D that intersects the reference line r, the data unit is arrangedany continuous distance d extending along the encoding line D from theintersection of the encoding line D and the reference line r withinbounds of the encoding area, the continuous distance d encoding a valueof a parameter of the preparation information, whereby said encodingline D is linear and arranged orthogonal to the reference line r.
 2. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the code has a peripheral length of600-1600 μm.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein the reference portioncomprises a reference line orientation identifier, the reference lineorientation identifier is without an associated encoding line D and adata unit.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the encoding line Dintersects the reference line r at a reference position, the referenceposition absent a reference unit, whereby the reference position isarranged at a predetermined distance along the reference line r.
 5. Thecontainer of claim 4, wherein a portion of the encoding area is boundedby the reference line r or overlaps the reference line r.
 6. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the encoding line D intersects thereference line r at a reference position, whereby the reference positioncomprises a reference unit.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein thedata unit further encodes metadata associated with the parameter of thepreparation information, the metadata being encoded discretely to enableidentification of the parameter of the preparation information and/or aproperty associated with the parameter of the preparation information.8. The container of claim 7, wherein a unit length of the data unit isselected from one of a plurality of predetermined data unit lengths as avariable to encode the metadata.
 9. The container of claim 7, wherein anoffset of a center of the data unit from the encoding line D along alinear line, the linear line at a point of intersection with theencoding line D is orthogonal thereto, is selected from one of aplurality of predetermined offsets as a variable to encode the metadata.10. The container of claim 7, wherein a plurality of data units arearranged along the encoding line D, whereby each data unit encodes aseparate parameter, and each data unit is identifiable by said metadata.11. The container of claim 7, wherein the data unit is in a shapeselected from the group consisting of triangular, polygon, square andparallelogram, and the shape of the data unit encodes the metadata. 12.The container of claim 1, wherein the code is formed on a surface of thecontainer or on an attachment configured for attachment to thecontainer.
 13. The container of claim 1, wherein the container has aform selected from the group consisting of: a capsule; a packet; areceptacle for consumption of the beverage or foodstuff therefrom; and acollapsible container.
 14. The container of claim 1, wherein a pluralityof data units are arranged along the encoding line D, whereby thedistance d encoding the parameter of the preparation information is anaverage of the distances of the plurality of data units from thereference line r.
 15. A beverage or foodstuff preparation systemcomprising: a container containing beverage or foodstuff material andcomprising a code encoding preparation information, the code comprisinga reference portion and a data portion: the reference portion comprisingan arrangement of at least two reference units to define a referenceline r; the data portion having an encoding area comprising a data unit,wherein the data unit is arranged on an encoding line D that intersectsthe reference line r, the data unit is arranged any continuous distanced extending along the encoding line D from the intersection from theintersection of the encoding line D and the reference line r withinbounds of the encoding area, the continuous distance d encoding a valueof a parameter of the preparation information, whereby said encodingline D is linear and arranged orthogonal to the reference line r; apreparation unit configured to receive the container and to prepare thebeverage or foodstuff therefrom; a code processing system operable to:obtain a digital image of the code of the container; process the digitalimage to decode the encoded preparation information; and a controlsystem operable to control the preparation unit using said decodedpreparation information.
 16. The beverage or foodstuff preparationsystem of claim 15, wherein the code processing subsystem is configuredto locate the at least two reference units and the data unit of thecode; identify the at least two reference units and determine therefromthe reference line r; determine for the data unit a distance d along theencoding line D from the reference line r; and convert the distance dinto an actual value of a parameter V_(p), using a stored relationshipbetween the parameter V_(p) and the distance d.
 17. A method of encodingpreparation information, the method comprising forming a code on: acontainer for a beverage or foodstuff preparation machine, the containercontaining beverage or foodstuff material; or an attachment configuredfor attachment to said container or a beverage of foodstuff preparationmachine, the method further comprising: arranging at least two referenceunits for defining a reference line r of a reference portion; and atleast partially encoding a value of a parameter of the preparationinformation with a data portion of the code by arranging a data unit onan encoding line D that intersects the reference line r at anintersection point, the data unit being arranged any continuous distanced extending along the encoding line D from the intersection point, thecontinuous distance d encoding the value of a parameter of thepreparation information, whereby the encoding line D is linear and isarranged orthogonal the reference line r at the intersection point.